Performance

MUSIC

The Shamisen Sessions, Vol. 4 SAKISHIMA meetingduo from Okinawa

Come in from the cold, bustling streets of New York City to find warmth and refuge in the soothing soundscapes of this Okinawan duo. With Yukito Ara on sanshin (Okinawan shamisen) and vocals and Isamu Shimoji on guitar and vocals, SAKISHIMA meeting serenades the crowd with tunes that blend the sounds and traditions of Okinawa, Japan's southernmost islands, with popular Western riffs and beats. This cabaret-style concert takes place in Japan Society’s Murase Room just off the lobby, where food and drink will be available for purchase.

Beginning at 7:30 pm, Susan Hamaker, founder of the website JapanCulture•NYC.com and the president of the Okinawa American Association of New York will lead a talk on the history and culture of Okinawa. Free and open to ticket holders only.

Tickets: $25/$20 Japan Society membersSOLD OUT. A waitlist will begin at the Box Office one hour prior to the concert at 7:30 PM.

Cash bar opens at 7 pm. General admission. Seating is limited.

Purchase tickets to two The Shamisen Sessions events and save $4, purchase tickets to three and save $6, purchase tickets to all four and save $8 (available for general and member-priced tickets). Discount is only available by visiting or calling the box office at (212) 715-1258 or by downloading the Ticket Order Form (PDF).

The Shamisen Sessions
From traditional stages to contemporary rock, pop and jazz concerts, this three-stringed instrument has forged art and entertainment culture in Japan for centuries and continues to shape new spheres in world music. These four sessions spotlight leading shamisen musicians from Japan performing the full gamut of today’s musical styles.

The Shamisen Sessions series Vol. 1-4 is supported by Doug and Teresa Peterson.

Special thanks to the Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau and Orion Beer.